Within the age of downsizing, BMW dares to be completely different. It’s already confirmed a six-cylinder engine for the next-gen M3 (G84), and we have now it on good authority there can be one other taste with an inline-six. At present’s M340i will make manner for a brand new M Efficiency model, rebranded because the M350. A prototype of the lesser M model has been caught testing on the Nürburgring. It could be flaunting a quad exhaust, however make no mistake, this isn’t the full-fat M3.
The sound you’re listening to probably comes from an evolution of the B58 engine. BMW is refining the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six to satisfy the upcoming Euro 7 emissions normal. We suspect it should sound extra aggressive in North America, the place noise and emissions laws are extra relaxed. To be completely sincere, the tire noise is extra distinguished than the engine’s soundtrack, but it surely’s too early to evaluate the M350. That is nonetheless a prototype, with mismatched wheels and all.
It’s exhausting to say whether or not the brand new 3 Collection (codename G50) can be bigger, but it surely actually gives the look of getting bulked up, not in a great way. Sure, it appears on the heavier facet. As for energy, our sources say BMW may very well be focusing on 417 hp, which might signify a 31-hp bump over the M340i bought in North America and 48 hp greater than the Euro-spec model.
xDrive is anticipated to be normal, although we’re nonetheless holding out hope for a rear-wheel-drive possibility. If it does return, anticipate it to be supplied in choose markets solely, probably together with the US. Sadly, don’t depend on a handbook gearbox. Phrase on the road is that the G50 is likely to be the primary 3 Collection with no clutch pedal. Even the next M3 could be auto-only and probably supplied completely with all-wheel drive.
The M350 would be the preliminary prime canine within the subsequent 3 Collection lineup. Manufacturing for the G50 begins in November 2026, so an official premiere is probably going a bit of over a yr away. The brand new M3 ought to observe in July 2028, that means its debut remains to be roughly two years out. The following technology is rumored to roll off the meeting line in Dingolfing. If correct, it could make it the primary 3 Collection to not be inbuilt Munich. The historic plant will solely make EVs from 2027.
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